Golf club with interchangeable head-shaft connection, components therefor, and a method of manufacturing

ABSTRACT

A golf club, components therefore, and a method for manufacturing the components is disclosed herein. The golf club having removable components includes a club head, a shaft, and a connection assembly. The club head includes a hosel having an upper treaded portion and a lower portion with a ribbed cross-section. The connection assembly includes a sleeve mounted on the tip end of the shaft and a screw-cap. The sleeve, which has an aperture for receiving the tip end of the shaft, includes a lower section that has a multi-faceted surface for engaging the lower portion of the hosel. The screw-cap is mounted over the sleeve and includes a body having an upper area and a threaded area, the latter of which is capable of engaging the upper threaded portion of the hosel to removably secure the shaft to the club head.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The Present Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/102,289, filed on Oct. 2, 2008, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a golf club having an improvedconnection for interchanging a shaft with a golf club head, componentsfor the golf club, and a method of manufacturing the components.

2. Description of the Related Art

In order to improve their game, golfers often customize their equipmentto fit their particular swing. Golf equipment manufacturers haveresponded by increasing the variety of clubs available to golfers. Forexample, a particular model of a driver-type golf club may be offered inseveral different loft angles and lie angles to suit a particulargolfer's needs. In addition, golfers can choose shafts, whether metal orgraphite, and adjust the length of the shaft to suit their swing. Golfclubs that allow shaft and club head components to be easilyinterchanged facilitate this customization process.

One example is Wheeler, U.S. Pat. No. 3,524,646 for a Golf ClubAssembly. The Wheeler patent discloses a putter having a grip and aputter head, both of which are detachable from a shaft. Fasteningmembers, provided on the upper and lower ends of the shaft, haveinternal threads, which engage the external threads provided on both thelower end of the grip and the upper end of the putter head shank tosecure these components to the shaft. The lower portion of the shaftfurther includes a flange, which contacts the upper end of the putterhead shank, when the putter head is coupled to the shaft.

Another example is Walker, U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,442 for Golf Clubs withQuick Release Heads. The Walker patent discloses a golf club in whichthe club head is secured to the shaft by a coupling rod and a quickrelease pin. The upper end of the coupling rod has external threads thatand engage the internal threads formed in the lower portion of theshaft. The lower end of the coupling rod, which is inserted into thehosel of the club head, has diametric apertures that align withdiametric apertures in the hosel to receive the quick release pin.

Still another example is Roark, U.S. Pat. No. 6,547,673 for anInterchangeable Golf Club Head and Adjustable Handle System. The Roarkpatent discloses a golf club with a quick release for detaching a clubhead from a shaft. The quick release is a two-piece connector includinga lower connector, which is secured in the hosel of the club head, andan upper connector, which is secured in the lower portion of the shaft.The upper connector has a pin and a ball catch that protrude radiallyoutward from the lower end of the upper connector. The upper end of thelower connector has a slot formed therein for receiving the upperconnector pin, and a separate hole for receiving the ball catch. Whenthe shaft is coupled to the club head, the lower connector hole retainsthe ball catch to secure the shaft to the club head.

Two further examples are published applications to Burrows, U.S. Pub.Nos. 2004/0018886 and 2004/0018887, both of which are for a TemporaryGolf Club Shaft-Component Connection. The Burrows applications disclosea temporary connection that includes an adapter insert, a socket member,and a mechanical fastener. The adapter insert, which is mounted on ashaft, includes a thrust flange. The socket member, which is mounted onthe other golf club component (e.g., a club head), includes a thrustseat for seated reception of the thrust flange. The mechanical fastener(e.g., a compression nut or a lock bolt) removably interconnects theadapter insert and the socket member.

The prior art temporary head-shaft connections have severaldisadvantages. First, they require that the golf club head have aconventional hosel for attachment. Second, these connections addexcessive weight to the club head, thereby minimizing the amount ofdiscretionary mass that may be distributed in the club head to optimizemass properties. Third, the prior art connections offer small, fayingsurfaces for centering and reacting to bending moments.

Currently the time required to machine the existing geometry of aninterior hosel is between 10-20 minutes depending on the set-up time ofthe machinist. The time and resources to set up the golf club headcomponent for machining adds to the overall costs.

In the current method employed to machine the interior hosel holegeometry a ball end-mill cutter is used. The ball end-mill cutterspirals down the hosel hole in a constant X, Y, and Z axis positioningmethod which cuts the hosel hole geometry to the finished dimensions.This descending-spiraling method is slow and consequently costly due tothe time required for the process.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A novel interior hosel geometry design of the present invention does notadversely affect the mating components used on a shaft nor the operationof a face component tooling or the cost of a raw, unfinished facecomponent. The novel invention reduces the time required to machine theinterior hosel surfaces of the face component and thereby increasesthroughput of the machining process and additionally reduces the costper golf club head component. This is preferably accomplished bymodifying the design of the interior hosel geometry, and the machiningmethods and cutters employed to finish the interior hosel surfaces tothe desired dimensions.

The novel design of the internal geometry of the hosel hole preferablyreduces the machining time by 65% or more.

The interior hosel geometry has been modified from three (3) flattriangular notched areas along the sides and bottom of the hosel holeoriented 120 degrees from each other radially around the centerline ofthe hosel axis to three (3) flat faced ribs protruding into the interiorof the hosel hole along the sides and bottom of the hosel hole oriented120 degrees from each other radially around the centerline of the hoselaxis.

The novel interior hosel geometry allows for a novel method of finishingthe hosel hole geometry. The novel machining method uses a primarycutting process of a form-cutter which is plunged into the hosel holealong the centerline of the hosel (Z-axis of mill) until it reaches thebottom of the hole. The form-cutter finishes all the circularcross-sectional areas of the interior of the hosel hole to finaldimensions, then is retracted along the same Z-axis entry path. Asecondary machining operation is employed by bringing an angled cutterdown the centerline of the hosel hole (Z-axis) to the bottom of thehosel hole then it sweeps across the ribs in an X-Y plane leaving aplanar face with the angled cutting face of the angled cutting tooldefining the mating surface of the ribs that interface with the IMIXsleeve on the shaft. It is the combination of these two machiningoperations that greatly reduces the processing time over the currentmethod of machining the interior hosel hole geometry with a ballend-mill cutter.

The novel geometry change of the rib design inside the hosel hole allowsthe machining operations to operate at a relatively high speed. Form andtapered cutters are used to obtain finished dimensions with a vastreduction in machining time over the previously used ball end-millcutter method. The novel machining process eliminates the need for3-axis NC cutting programs.

The novel process for cutting the geometry inside the hosel holepreferably uses Z axis positioning (depth) and then X-Y movements togenerate the finished surfaces to the dimensions and tolerancesspecified.

The protruding flat surface (rib) design as an engagement solutionprovides both a friction fit based on the ribs tapered angle and theprotrusion into the cylindrical hosel hole promotes a greater ease(improved machining time) of finishing with cutting tools.

The present invention provides an improved method for producing a clubhead-shaft connection for cost-effective customization of golf clubs,while providing golfers with golf clubs that provide optimalperformance. The connection, which does not require the club head tohave a conventional hosel, enables quick and reliable assembly anddisassembly of a shaft from the club head.

Having briefly described the present invention, the above and furtherobjects, features and advantages thereof will be recognized by thoseskilled in the pertinent art from the following detailed description ofthe invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of a golf club.

FIG. 2 is an exploded top perspective view of the golf club of FIG. 1illustrating the various components, including a face cup portion of aclub head, a shaft, and the connection assembly, which includes a sleeveand a screw-cap.

FIG. 3 is an interior view of a face component and connection assemblyof a golf club of FIG. 2 in an assembled state.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 4-4 ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a golf club shaft attachedvia the connection assembly to a hosel of a club head.

FIG. 6A is a top plan view of a face component of a club head.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line A-A ofFIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line B-B ofFIG. 6B.

FIG. 6D is an enlarged sectional view taken along circle C of FIG. 6B.

FIG. 6E is an enlarged sectional view showing greater detail of an upperthreaded portion of the hosel.

FIG. 6F is an enlarged isolated sectional view showing greater detail ofan upper threaded portion of the hosel.

FIG. 6G is an enlarged isolated sectional view showing greater detail ofan upper threaded portion of the hosel.

FIG. 6H is an enlarged isolated sectional view showing greater detail ofan upper threaded portion of the hosel.

FIG. 7A is a plan view of a sleeve.

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line A-A ofFIG. 7A.

FIG. 7C is an enlarged sectional view taken generally along rectangle Bof FIG. 7B.

FIG. 7D is an enlarged sectional view taken generally along circle C ofFIG. 7B.

FIG. 7E is an enlarged view taken generally along circle G of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 7F is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line H-H ofFIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is a plan view of a screw-cap.

FIG. 8B is a top plan view of the screw-cap of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line A-A ofFIG. 8B.

FIG. 9A is a plan view of a locking ring, which may be used in theconnection assembly.

FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view taken generally long the line A-A ofFIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a ferrule, which may be used in theconnection assembly.

FIG. 10B is a cross sectional view taken generally along the line A-A ofFIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a plan view of a screw-cap with a polymeric patch.

FIG. 11B is a plan view of a screw-cap with a polymeric strip.

FIG. 11C is a plan view of a screw-cap with a polymeric pellet.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the internal hosel geometry of anexisting prior art golf club head component.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the internal hosel geometry of thepresent invention golf club head component.

FIG. 14 is a break-out view of the internal hosel geometry of anexisting prior art golf club head component.

FIG. 15 is a break-out view of the internal hosel geometry of thepresent invention golf club head component.

FIG. 16 is a back view of a cast face component oriented in a mill.

FIG. 17 is a back view of a cast face component in a mill with a formcutter prepared to be inserted into the hosel to cut the interiorsurface of the hosel.

FIG. 18 is a back view of a cast face component in a mill with an angledside cutter prepared to be inserted into the hosel to cut the interiorsurface of the hosel.

FIG. 19 is a top view of a face cup with ribs cast integrally into theinterior surface of the hosel.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart of the method of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIGS. 1-5, a golf club is generally designated 20. Golf club20 has a club head 22 and a shaft 24 that is coupled to club head 22.Club head 22 is preferably a wood-type golf club head, such as a driver,a fairway wood, or even a hybrid iron-wood-type club, but may also be aniron-type club head. Club head 22 includes a body 26 having a strikingface 28, a crown portion 30, a sole portion 32, a heel end 34 and a toeend 36. Striking face 28 generally extends along the front of club head22 from heel end 34 to toe end 36.

The club head 22 is alternatively a club head such as disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 6,758,763 for a Multiple Material Golf Club Head, which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The club head 22 isalternatively a club head such as disclosed in U.S. Patent Number7166038 for a Golf Club Head, which is hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety. The club head 22 is alternatively a club head such asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,273,419 for a Multiple Material Golf ClubHead, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Theclub head 22 is alternatively a club head such as disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 7,410,428 for a Golf Club Head With A High Moment Of Inertia, whichis hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Body 26 is preferably composed of a metallic material, such as titanium,titanium alloy, stainless steel, or the like. Alternatively, body 26 maybe composed of multiple materials, such as a metal face cup 27 attachedto an aft-body composed of a different material, such as a carboncomposite material, or a stainless steel body with a carbon compositecrown. Body 26 preferably has a hollow interior and includes a hosel 38for receiving shaft 24. Where body 26 is comprised of a cup face 27 andan aft-body, hosel 38 is provided in cup face 27. Hosel 38 is preferablyan internal hosel that extends into body 26 with an opening 40 in crownportion 30. Alternatively, club head 22 may be provided with an externalhosel (not shown) rather than an internal one.

The shaft 24 is preferably composed of a graphite material, however, theshaft 24 is alternatively composed of a metallic material, such asstainless steel or titanium. Alternatively, the shaft 24 is composed ofa hybrid of graphite and metal. The shaft 24 is coupled to club head 22using a connection assembly 44 that provides for easy assembly,disassembly and reassembly, thereby facilitating customization of golfclub 20.

The connection assembly 44 preferably comprises a sleeve 46 and ascrew-cap 48. Connection assembly 44 cooperates with hosel 38 of clubhead 22 to secure shaft 24 to club head 22. Sleeve 46 is mounted on atip end 50 of shaft 24. Shaft 24 with sleeve 46 mounted thereon is theninserted in hosel 38 of club head 22. Screw-cap 48 secures sleeve 46 tohosel 38 to retain shaft 24 in connection with club head 22.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6H, hosel 38 is preferably integrallyformed with the body of club head 22. For example, club head 22including hosel 38 may be cast of a suitable metal material, such astitanium alloys, steel alloys, magnesium and aluminum. Hosel 38preferably has a main opening 58 for receiving a portion of sleeve 46and shaft 24. Main opening 58 preferably has a depth L_(D) of at least1.000 inch, for example 1.065 inch. Hosel 38 includes an upper threadedportion 60 and a lower portion 62.

Upper threaded portion 60 includes a plurality of threads 64, whichprovide upper threaded portion 60 with a threaded cross-section. As bestillustrated in FIGS. 6E-6H, upper threaded portion 60 preferably has alength L_(U) in the range of 0.350 inch to 0.500 inch. The diameterD_(U) at a top end of upper threaded portion 60 is preferably 0.580inch. The plurality of threads 64 provided in upper threaded portion 60preferably includes between one and ten threads, and more preferablybetween three and eight threads. In one embodiment of the invention,there are five threads 64 in upper threaded portion 60. Threads 64preferably have a pitch in the range of six and thirty-two, morepreferably between eighteen and twenty-eight, and even more preferablybetween twenty-four and twenty-eight. Threads 64 preferably have a pitchdiameter PD in the range of 0.250 inch to 0.750 inch, more preferably inthe range of 0.420 inch to 0.630 inch, and even more preferably between0.530 inch and 0.570 inch.

Lower portion 62 of hosel 38 has a ribbed cross-section, which is bestillustrated in FIG. 6C. In a preferred embodiment of the invention,lower portion 62 has at least ribbed surfaces 66, with a curved regionprovided between adjacent ribbed surfaces 66. In addition, lower portion62 tapers from proximate upper threaded portion 60 to the bottom ofhosel 36. By way of example, lower portion 62 may taper from a diameterof 0.517 inch proximate upper threaded portion 60 to a diameter D_(B) of0.312 inch proximate its bottom end. The taper of lower portion 62ensures a snug fit between sleeve 46 and hosel 38, when shaft 24 isfully secured to club head 22.

Sleeve 46, which is best illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7F, has an aperture 68formed in an upper end 69 thereof for receiving tip end 50 of shaft 24.Sleeve 46 is fixedly secured to shaft 24 using an adhesive, such asepoxy. Sleeve 46 is preferably comprised of a metal material, such astitanium alloys and aluminum alloys.

Sleeve 46, which preferably has an overall length L_(S) of at least1.500 inches, includes a body having a top section 70 and a lowersection 72. Top section 70 has an aperture 68 formed therein. Aperture68 has a diameter D_(A) that complements the outer diameter of tip end50 of shaft 24. Depth L_(A) of aperture 68 is preferably sufficient toreceive at least 1.000 inch of tip end of shaft. In one embodiment ofthe invention, depth L_(A) is approximately 1.126 inches.

Lower section 72 of sleeve 46 has a multi-faceted exterior surface forengaging lower portion 62 of hosel 38. In one embodiment of theinvention best illustrated in FIG. 7F, lower portion 62 has apseudo-triangular cross-section with least three outer, planar surfaces74, which will make contact with respective planar surfaces 66 of hosel38. Regions between the planar surfaces 74 are curved. At least threesides are preferred to stop rotation, both axially and about a pivotaxis that is created when there are fewer than three contact points.Lower section 72 of sleeve 46 is preferably slightly tapered to providea snug fit in hosel 38. Lower section 72 has a length L_(L), preferablyin the range of 0.375 inch to 0.525 inch to provided sufficient contactsurface area. When the screw-cap is tightened down on the sleeve, thescrew-cap forces the multi-faceted lower section of the sleeve againstthe mating contact surfaces of the lower portion of the hosel of thegolf club head, and all rotation is mechanically prohibited. Lowersection 72 of sleeve 46 may be further provided with an opening 76formed therein to remove excess weight from sleeve 46.

Screw-cap 48, illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8E, is preferably comprised of alightweight metal material, such as a titanium alloy or an aluminumalloy. Screw-cap 48 includes a body 80 having a central aperture 82.Screw-cap 48 is mounted onto shaft 24 over sleeve 46. Screw cap 48includes an upper area 84 and a threaded area 86. Threaded area 86 isprovided with a plurality of threads 88, which engage threads 64 ofupper threaded portion 60 of hosel 38 to secure shaft 24 to club head22.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, connection assembly 44 may further include alocking ring 54 and a ferrule 52. Locking ring 54, shown in FIG. 9A andFIG. 9B, is preferably a thin metal ring having a thickness T in therange of 0.025 inch to 0.035 inch. Locking ring 54 is mounted in anannular groove 90 (FIGS. 7C and 7E) formed in top section 70 of sleeve46. Locking ring 54 retains screw-cap 48 loosely on sleeve 46 andprevents screw-cap 48 from completely separating from hosel 38 of clubhead 22.

Ferrule 52, shown separately in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B, is preferablypositioned on shaft 24 above the top section of sleeve 46. Ferrule 52,which may be composed of a lightweight, thermoplastic material, includesa body having a main aperture for receiving shaft 24. Ferrule 52 mayfurther include a plurality of ribs 90 formed on its inside surface foraligning ferrule 52 on shaft 24

Golf club 20 is preferably assembled by placing ferrule 52, screw-cap48, locking ring 54 and sleeve 46 over tip end 50 of shaft 24. Sleeve 46is secured to shaft 24 by an adhesive, such as epoxy. Tip end 50 ofshaft 24, with sleeve 46 affixed therein, is then inserted into hosel 38of club head 22. The tapered multi-faceted surface of lower section 72of sleeve 46 engages with lower portion 62 of hosel 38. Next, screw-cap48 is slid along tip end 50 of shaft 24, such that its threads 88 engagethreads 64 of upper threaded portion 60 of hosel 38. A special tool (notshown) may be provided to ensure that screw-cap 48 is properly tightenedwith the correct amount of torque. When screw-cap 48 is fully tightenedto upper threaded portion 60 of hosel 38, the lower end of screw-cap 48seats on a ledge 92 of sleeve 46 to prevent sleeve 46, and thereforeshaft 24, from separating from club head 22. Locking ring 50 may then beplaced in annular groove 90 of sleeve 46 to prevent screw-cap 48 fromfully disengaging from hosel 38. Ferrule 52 is then secured onto shaft24 and top section 70 of sleeve 46 just above screw-cap 48.

In addition to locking ring 50, a compressible polymeric material may beprovided on some or all of the threads 88 of screw-cap 48.Alternatively, the polymeric material may be applied to threads 64 ofhosel 38. When mating threads 64 and 88 of hosel 38 and screw-cap 48,respectively, are engaged, the polymeric material is compressed and acounterforce is created. This counterforce creates a stronger contactbetween the threads of the two components and creates a positiveresistance to vibration and loosening. One such material is Nylokavailable from Nylok Corporation. FIGS. 11A-11C show variousconfigurations of Nylok material on screw-cap 48. In FIG. 11A, a patch100 of Nylok material may be coated over one or more threads 88 ofscrew-cap 48. Patch 100 may have a height in the range of 0.01 inch to0.5 inch, more preferably in the range of 0.04 inch to 0.3 inch, andeven more preferably in the range of 0.1 inch to 0.2 inch. Patch 100preferably covers between one-half and ten threads 88, and morepreferably between one and five threads 88. Patch 100 may extendcompletely about one or more threads 88 of screw-cap 48 or only aportion thereof. For example, patch 100 may extend anywhere between 30°and 360° about screw-cap 48. The thickness of patch 100 is preferablybetween 0.005 inch to 0.050 inch.

In FIG. 11B a strip 102 of Nylok material is coated across multiplethreads 88 of screw-cap 48. Strip 102 may have a height in the range of0.01 inch to 0.5 inch, more preferably in the range of 0.04 inch to 0.3inch, and even more preferably in the range of 0.1 inch to 0.2 inch. Thewidth of strip 102 may be between 0.01 inch and 0.2 inch, morepreferably between 0.02 inch and 0.1 inch. Strip 102 preferably has athickness of 0.03 to 0.15 inch.

FIG. 11C illustrates a pellet 104 of Nylok material embedded in threads88 of screw-cap 48. Pellet 104 may have a diameter of between 0.01 inchand 0.6 inch, more preferably between 0.03 and 0.15 inch. The thicknessof pellet 104 is preferably between 0.03 inch and 0.15 inch.

FIGS. 12 and 14 show the internal geometry of a hosel of an existinggolf club head. FIGS. 13 and 15 show the internal geometry of a hosel ofthe present invention.

FIG. 19 illustrates the face component as cast with ribs in the hosel.FIGS. 16-18 show the cutting process of the present invention. FIG. 20is a flow chart of a method 700 of the present invention.

From the foregoing it is believed that those skilled in the pertinentart will recognize the meritorious advancement of this invention andwill readily understand that while the present invention has beendescribed in association with a preferred embodiment thereof, and otherembodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, numerous changes,modifications and substitutions of equivalents may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope of this invention which isintended to be unlimited by the foregoing except as may appear in thefollowing appended claims. Therefore, the embodiments of the inventionin which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined inthe following appended claims.

1. A golf club having removable components, the golf club comprising: aclub head having a body with a hosel, the hosel having an upper threadedportion and a lower portion, the upper threaded portion having athreaded cross-section, the lower portion having a ribbed cross-section;a shaft having a tip end and a butt end; and a connection assemblycomprising a sleeve mounted on the tip end of the shaft, the sleevehaving a body including a top section and a lower section, the lowersection having a multi-faceted surface for engaging the lower portion ofthe hosel, the sleeve also comprising an aperture for receiving the tipend of the shaft, a screw-cap having a body with a central aperture, thescrew cap mounted over the sleeve, the body of the screw-cap having anupper area and a threaded area, the threaded area capable of engagingthe upper threaded portion of the hosel of the club head for removablysecuring the shaft to the club head.
 2. The golf club according to claim1, wherein the connection assembly further comprises a locking ringpositioned in an annular groove formed proximate the top section of thesleeve to retain the screw-cap loosely on the sleeve.
 3. The golf clubaccording to claim 1, wherein the connection assembly further comprisesa ferrule having a body and a main aperture, wherein the shaft is placedthrough the main aperture, and the ferrule is positioned on the topsection of the sleeve.
 4. The golf club according to claim 1, whereinthe lower section of the sleeve comprises a first faceted surface, afirst curved surface, a second faceted surface, a second curved surface,a third faceted surface and a third curved surface.
 5. The golf clubaccording to claim 1, wherein the sleeve is comprised of an aluminumalloy material.
 6. The golf club according to claim 1, wherein thescrew-cap is comprised of a titanium alloy material.
 7. The golf clubaccording to claim 1, wherein each of the lower section of the sleeveand the lower portion of the hosel is tapered.
 8. The golf clubaccording to claim 1, further comprising a polymeric material providedon at least a portion of the threaded area of the screw-cap.
 9. The golfclub according to claim 8, wherein the polymeric material is a Nylokmaterial.
 10. The golf club according to claim 1, further comprising apolymeric material provided on at least a portion of the upper threadedportion of the hosel.
 11. A golf club having removable components, thegolf club comprising: a club head including a face cup and an aft-body,the face cup comprised of a metal material and including a striking faceand a hosel, the hosel having an upper threaded portion, a centralportion and a lower portion, the upper threaded portion having aplurality of threads thereon, the central portion having a circularcross-section, and the lower portion having a tapered, ribbedcross-section; a shaft having a tip end and a butt end; and a connectionassembly comprising a sleeve mounted on the tip end of the shaft, thesleeve having a body with a top section and a lower section, the lowersection having a tapered, multi-faceted surface for engaging the lowerportion of the hosel, the sleeve also comprising an aperture forreceiving the tip end of the shaft, a screw-cap having a body with acentral aperture, the screw cap mounted over the sleeve, the body of thescrew-cap having an upper area and a threaded area, the threaded areacapable of engaging the upper threaded portion of the hosel of the clubhead for removably securing the shaft to the club head.
 12. The golfclub according to claim 11, wherein the sleeve has an annular grooveformed therein proximate the top section of the sleeve, and wherein theconnection assembly further comprises a locking ring positioned in theannular groove to retain the screw-cap loosely on the sleeve.
 13. Thegolf club according to claim 12, wherein the locking ring is comprisedof a metal material and has a thickness in the range of 0.025 inch to0.035 inch.
 14. The golf club according to claim 11, wherein theconnection assembly further comprises a thermoplastic ferrule having abody and a main aperture, wherein the shaft is placed through the mainaperture, and the ferrule is positioned on the top section of thesleeve.
 15. The golf club according to claim 11, wherein the lowersection of the sleeve comprises a first faceted surface, a first curvedsurface, a second faceted surface, a second curved surface, a thirdfaceted surface and a third curved surface.
 16. The golf club accordingto claim 11, wherein the sleeve is comprised of an aluminum alloymaterial.
 17. The golf club according to claim 11, wherein the screw-capis comprised of a titanium alloy material.
 18. The golf club accordingto claim 11, further comprising a polymeric material provided on atleast a portion of one of the threaded area of the screw-cap and theupper threaded portion of the hosel.
 19. The golf club according toclaim 18, wherein the polymeric material is a Nylok material.
 20. A golfclub head for interchangeable connection to a golf club shaft, the golfclub head including: a body having a striking face, a crown portion, asole portion, a heel end, and a toe end; and a hosel having an upperthreaded portion and a lower portion, the upper threaded portion havinga threaded cross-section with a plurality of threads, the lower portionhaving a faceted cross-section.
 21. The golf club head according toclaim 20, wherein the lower portion has a pseudo-triangularcross-section with three planar surfaces.
 22. The golf club headaccording to claim 20, wherein the lower portion of the hosel istapered.
 23. The golf club head according to claim 20, furthercomprising a polymeric material coating at least a portion of theplurality of threads of the upper threaded portion.
 24. A component forutilization with an interchangeable golf club head, the componentcomprising: a shaft having a tip end and a butt end; a sleeve mounted onthe tip end of the shaft, the sleeve having a body including a topsection and a lower section, the lower section having a tapered,multi-faceted surface for engaging the lower portion of the hosel, thesleeve also comprising an aperture for receiving the tip end of theshaft; and a screw-cap having a body with a central aperture, the screwcap mounted over the sleeve, the body of the screw-cap having an upperarea and a threaded area, the threaded area including a plurality ofthreads.
 25. The component according to claim 24, wherein the lowersection of the sleeve includes three outer planar surfaces.
 26. Thecomponent according to claim 24, further comprising a polymeric materialcoating at least a portion of the plurality of threads of the screw-cap.27. A golf club having removable components, the golf club comprising: aclub head having a body with a hosel, the hosel having an upper threadedportion and a lower portion, the upper threaded portion having athreaded cross-section, the lower portion having a ribbed cross-section.28. A method for manufacturing a club head having a hosel for placementof a removable shaft therein, the method comprising: originating a castface component in a mill, the cast face component having a hosel with aribbed interior surface; inserting a form cutter into the hosel to cutthe ribbed interior surface; inserting an angled side cutter into thehosel to create an angled flat surface on the ribbed interior surface;and milling threads into the hosel.